Burna Boy, the Nigerian music sensation, recently claimed he turned down a lucrative $5 million gig in Dubai due to the country's strict marijuana laws. The artist revealed this during a live performance, where he sang about the offer and his decision to decline it because of the prohibition on smoking marijuana in the United Arab Emirates.
Burna Boy, known for his candidness, expressed his strong affinity for marijuana during the performance. A clip of this revelation, shared by the famed show, No Jumper, showcases how the artist thumbed his nose at Dubai.
“Just now I turned down Dubai money, $5 million dollar na small thing cos me I no dey like to dey go where dem no go gree allow me smoke igbo,” Burna Boy rapped while rehearsing with his band, Outsiders, reported RAP.
Admiration And Rage
This decision sparked a range of reactions, with some lauding his honesty and commitment while others criticized it as a costly consequence of "addiction."
The star's popularity has soared in recent years, with numerous milestones marking his ascent. Notably, his single "Last Last" topped the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart. Burna Boy was the first African artist to headline a show at Madison Square Garden. In 2022, he launched his own cannabis brand, BRKFAST.
Burna Boy's decision reflects a deeper narrative about the cultural clash between global celebrity and local laws. While the financial loss is significant, the artist remains a trailblazer in the music industry, undeterred by the controversy surrounding his choices.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Comments
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
Click on the image for more info.
Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner
Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry?
Hear directly for top executives, investors and policymakers at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9.
Get your tickets now before prices surge by following this link.